Gunfire detection technology is designed to identify, authenticate and notify officers automatically within seconds of a gunshot detection.
Gunshot detection systems use acoustic sensing technology to identify, discriminate, and report gunshots to the police within seconds of the shot being fired. A gunshot detection system is comprised of sensors to detect the sound of a gunshot, transmitters to send a message to the police dispatch or other monitoring center, and a computer to receive and display that message.
The technology continues to evolve. Earlier this year, Sonitrol Great Lakes vendor-partner 3xLOGIC displayed its advanced detection product at an International security industry conference.
Instead of microphones, infrared sensors, or complex analytics, 3xLOGIC’s self-contained device relies on affordable, simple concussive force recognition sensors to detect gunshots.
Upon firing, a bullet creates a shockwave as it travels through the air. This shockwave creates a unique concussive force the device can detect – reducing the potential for false activations from other loud noises and preparing staff to confront threats immediately.
According to 3xLOGIC, the device seamlessly integrates into an existing security system to elevate a safety and security plan.
But be forewarned: all gunshot detection systems are not alike.
Depending on the level of technology, some systems can generate false alerts, including false positives (e.g., noise from fireworks or vehicles) or false negatives if the system fails to detect actual gunfire. In addition, some systems are dependent solely on human monitoring operators to discern whether the sound detected is truly a gunshot.
Justice groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have criticized the use of these systems, especially one controversial brand used by policing agencies around the country.
In Chicago, the MacArthur Justice Center and the city’s Office of Inspector General last year released studies of police data saying the alerts generated by the city’s contracted company rarely led to evidence of a gun crime and made officers more apt to stop and search people. The MacArthur study also said alerts focused “almost exclusively” in Black and Latino communities.
Others believe more research needs to be done on just how effective the technology is. Howard Henderson, director of the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University, told a Houston media outlet that while he believed gun violence was a real problem, it was not yet clear if technology alone could solve it.